Who is noted for developing a new approach to governance, emphasizing the need for rulers to prioritize outcomes over ethics?

Machiavelli is best known for his pragmatic approach to governance, particularly in his work "The Prince." He argued that the primary concern of a ruler should be the effectiveness of their leadership and the outcomes they achieve, rather than strictly adhering to ethical or moral guidelines. This often meant that actions typically viewed as immoral could be justified if they resulted in stability and power for the state. His foundational belief in prioritizing results over traditional ethical considerations has significantly influenced political theory and realpolitik, positioning leaders to make difficult decisions for the sake of governance. Machiavelli's ideas challenge more idealistic philosophies about governance, focusing instead on the complexities and harsh realities of political power.